Is It Good to Drive a New Car on the Highway?
3 Answers
It is acceptable to drive a new car on the highway within reasonable limits. Here are some precautions for driving a new car on the highway: 1. Avoid full load if possible. 2. Within the first 2,000 kilometers, do not let the engine run continuously for more than 2 hours. Prolonged continuous operation of a new car can accelerate component wear, directly affecting the vehicle's lifespan. 3. Within the first 1,000 kilometers, the speed should not exceed 60% of the maximum speed. Within the first 2,000 kilometers, the speed should not exceed 80% of the maximum speed. 4. Avoid speeding. 5. Use tires properly. When selecting tires, choose those of the same brand, model, and tread pattern. Mixing tires of different ages or tread patterns is strictly prohibited.
Driving a new car on the highway is actually quite good, but you need to find the right balance. During the break-in period, avoid maintaining the same speed for too long, such as cruising at 100 km/h or more for one or two hours without stopping, as this can cause uneven wear on engine components. Occasionally accelerating and decelerating helps the piston rings fit better. The strong wind on the highway improves cooling efficiency and saves a lot of fuel. New cars tend to have higher fuel consumption, so highway driving can actually help reduce it. However, don’t push it too hard—avoid immediately hitting top speed right after leaving the factory. Take breaks every 70-80 km to let the car cool down. Since city driving often involves traffic congestion, highway driving reduces startup wear, and frequent highway trips can be beneficial for the break-in process.
I took my new car on the highway right after picking it up, driving over 300 kilometers from the city to my hometown. The car performed exceptionally well on the highway. The engine sound was steady, and the fuel consumption was just over 6L per 100km, much better than idling at traffic lights in the city. The manual says modern cars have less strict break-in requirements, just avoid sudden braking and acceleration. The smooth highway driving caused less body vibration, which is good for the tires and suspension. During the trip, I kept an eye on the coolant temperature and oil pressure gauges, and everything was normal. After returning home, I noticed the car felt even smoother. Regularly checking tire pressure ensures safe long-distance driving.
